Big Basin Art About: Creativity in the Redwoods

June 22, 2024
10:00 am
Event Recap

Visitors at Big Basin Redwoods State Park learning about a unique art installation featuring a vibrant depiction of nature and conservation. Photo by Monica Montano.

In June 2023, California State Parks hosted 18 artists at Big Basin Redwoods State Parks to be a part of a special camping experience where creativity led the way. Artists with different creative backgrounds shared space to support the park in its movement to transfer from devastation to inspiration. One year later on June 15, community members were invited to “Art in the Park” to view and embrace the art in the heart of Big Basin. The event celebrated the opening of the Big Basin Art About exhibit by exploring art pieces in various mediums inspired by artists’ experiences in the park.

Throughout the day, visitors from all over were greeted by Parks staff and volunteers in the new temporary Visitor’s Center where the start of the artist’s showcase began. Artists displayed their work using different mediums such as music, sculpture, to interactive maps, journals, and cyanotype prints. There was also plein air painting occurring on the Redwood Loop trail.

Three people are gathered under a blue canopy engaged in a screen printing activity. On the left, an adult with long hair, wearing a hat and light-colored shirt, is holding a young child who is helping with the screen-printing process. The child is wearing a blue t-shirt. On the right, another adult with dark, wavy hair and glasses is guiding the child's hands on the screen-printing frame. The background shows a wooded area with some people walking in the distance. The setup includes various supplies on a table, such as a spray bottle, paper, and other materials. — Children and adults collaborating on a screen-printing project under a blue canopy at an outdoor art event.

A group of people gathered under a blue canopy are closely observing a piece of art. A woman on the left, who appears to be the presenter, is explaining the artwork to the visitors. The artwork, featuring a blue-toned circular design, is displayed in a wooden frame. The visitors are dressed in outdoor gear, including hats and sunglasses, suggesting an outdoor event. Trees and natural surroundings are visible in the background. — Visitors at Big Basin engage with artwork during an outdoor exhibit.

A woman wearing a straw hat and striped shirt is standing behind a table with educational materials, engaging with a group of visitors. The visitors are standing around the table, listening attentively. The background features lush greenery with tall trees and a clear blue sky, typical of Big Basin Redwoods State Park. — A woman interacts with visitors at Big Basin Redwoods State Park.

A group of people, wearing outdoor clothing and hats, are seated in front of a large screen inside a wooden structure with an open side. They are viewing a nature-related video or presentation. The interior has wood-paneled walls and a bench, and lush greenery is visible outside through the open side of the structure. — Visitors enjoying an interactive display at a nature exhibit. Photo by Monica Montano.

A Parks California booth to engage visitors, showcasing conservation efforts and educational materials.

A woman wearing a beige hat and vest with a California State Parks volunteer badge is seated at an outdoor booth under a canopy. She is smiling and surrounded by various art supplies, including colored pencils, crayons, and rocks displayed on a table. The background features a lush forest with large trees and a fallen log. — A cheerful volunteer at a California State Park art activity booth, ready to engage visitors with colorful art supplies and educational materials.

Thank you to all of the artists for sharing their unique pieces with the community:

Mary Albert
Steven Albert
Adrienne Defendi
Laura Fogg
Linda Gass
Nicky Gaston
Andres Gonzales
Tucker Gorman
Patrick Hart
Frans Lanting
Robin Lasser
Melody Overstreet
Samantha Saldana
Chris Sicat
Cynthia Siegel
Tina Sommers
Donna Thomas

Friends and families also gathered in the amphitheater to explore the redwoods with guided walks, create clay crafts, and learn about community organizations.

With all the fun-filled activities, visitors also enjoyed a meal in the great outdoors from Dos Hermanos Pupuseria and River Dogs.

On the day of the event, before arriving to the park, many traveled by way of the free shuttle program or Santa Cruz Metro. Several visitors enjoyed this experience that will have them coming back to the park in this way again! Learn more about the pilot shuttle program and Santa Cruz Metro (Bus Route 35B).

Two individuals stand under a green canopy in a forested area, discussing planning and design concepts for Big Basin, as displayed on posters and boards on a table. The background features tall trees, and the atmosphere suggests a serene, educational setting in nature. One person, in a blue hoodie and beige pants, is facing the display, while the other, in a black shirt, stands nearby with a smile. The booth also features information about the Saddle Mountain Gateway. — Visitors learning about the planning and design concepts of Big Basin at an outdoor informational booth.

A group of people stands and sits around a park ranger in a redwood forest. The ranger, dressed in a beige uniform, is speaking and holding a piece of paper. The visitors, wearing casual outdoor attire and backpacks, listen attentively. The tall redwood trees surround the scene, with sunlight filtering through the foliage. The setting is serene and educational, with the group appearing interested and engaged in the ranger's presentation. — A park ranger engages a group of visitors during an educational talk in the heart of a redwood forest.

A group of three people stands in a scenic forest setting. The person on the left is a young woman wearing blue denim overalls and a pinkish-brown shirt, smiling warmly at the camera. In the middle, a young girl with long dark hair, wearing a yellow shirt, holds a book titled "Big Basin Redwood Forest" and smiles. On the right, an older woman with short hair, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a green cardigan, smiles warmly. Tall trees and a clear blue sky create a picturesque background. — Visitors enjoying a beautiful day at Big Basin Redwood State Park.

A man and a young girl are standing in a forested area, smiling and holding up cards that read “Arts in California Parks." The man is wearing a grey t-shirt and a black beanie, while the girl is dressed in a yellow long-sleeve shirt with colorful designs. Tall redwood trees are visible in the background under a bright blue sky. — Visitors enjoying a beautiful day at Big Basin Redwoods State Park with family and art!

Four people stand in front of a green canopy tent at an outdoor event. The tent has two orange banners with menu items and prices displayed. The group consists of two men and two women, all wearing work attire, with three of them in blue shirts and one in a green apron. They are surrounded by tall trees and a bright blue sky, indicating a forest setting. The individuals appear to be part of a team running a food stall. — Team members of Dos Hermanos Pupuseria proudly pose in front of their booth at the Big Basin event, showcasing their authentic and flavorful pupusas amidst the beautiful forest setting.

One of the attendees Jennifer Sotelo Perez, celebrated her UCSC graduation by taking six family members to the event. They explored the Redwood Loop Trail, where artistic installations tell compelling stories including ones from “Big Basin Redwood Forest: California’s Oldest State Park.” Jennifer and her niece, Amy, chatted with the book’s author Traci Bliss.

Creativity starts in the great outdoors!

Some of the art will be displayed in several museums and will be showcased, eventually, in the Big Basin’s visitor center to commemorate perspectives from this very unique point in time post fire – adding to Big Basin’s rich history.